Is Orton-Gillingham Evidence-Based? What the Research Really Shows

By MTN Literacy | Shamika Lilavois, Reading Interventionist

If your child is struggling to read, you've probably come across the term Orton-Gillingham. Maybe a teacher mentioned it, or you found it researching dyslexia at midnight. The question I hear most from parents: is it actually backed by research, or just another trend? 

Short answer -- yes. Here's what that actually means. 

What Is Orton-Gillingham? 

OG is a structured, sequential, multisensory way of teaching reading and spelling. Developed in the 1930s for students who struggled with traditional instruction -- including kids with dyslexia -- it works by teaching the actual code of English: how sounds map to letters, how words are built, how spelling works. Nothing is guessed. Everything is taught directly, in a specific order, engaging multiple senses at once. 

So Is It Evidence-Based? 

Yes -- and OG is built on what decades of reading science show works. The research is consistent: kids learn to read best through explicit, systematic phonics instruction. That's exactly what OG delivers. 

OG instruction is: 

^• Explicit -- skills are taught directly, not discovered 

^• Systematic and sequential -- simple to complex, nothing skipped 

^• Multisensory -- visual, auditory, and tactile pathways all engaged 

^• Diagnostic -- adjusted continuously based on your child's needs

The National Reading Panel, the International Dyslexia Association, and a growing number of state literacy laws all point to structured literacy -- the category OG falls under -- as the most effective approach for struggling readers. 

Why It Works for Kids Who Struggle 

Most kids who struggle with reading aren't struggling because they're not smart or not trying. Dyslexia affects up to 20% of people and has nothing to do with intelligence. What these kids need is someone to teach them the code -- not hope they pick it up on their own. 

For a lot of the kids I work with, OG is the first time reading has actually made sense. Most of them were never taught this way in school. That shift -- from frustrated to capable -- is what I see in my sessions. It's not magic. It's just the right kind of instruction. 

Is OG Right for My Child? 

OG-based instruction is worth considering if your child: 

• Has been diagnosed with dyslexia or a reading disability 

• Is reading or spelling well below grade level 

• Has tried other reading programs without real progress 

• Struggles with phonics or decoding despite classroom instruction 

You don't need a diagnosis to start. If your child is clearly struggling, structured literacy can help -- and earlier is better. 

Quick Questions I Hear From Parents 

How long does it take to see results? 

It varies, but many families start to see real progress within a few months of consistent sessions. The key word is consistent -- this isn't a one-and-done fix. 

Do we need a diagnosis first? 

No. A diagnosis can help with school services, but you don't need one to begin OG intervention. 

Is virtual or online OG instruction effective? 

Yes -- and honestly, for a lot of families it works better than expected. The structure of OG translates well online. Sessions are one-on-one, focused, and follow the same format every time, which actually helps kids stay engaged. The convenience also helps busy families stay consistent -- and consistency is everything with this approach. 

Is in-person instruction available? 

Yes -- sessions are available in person at an agreed-upon location. Reach out and we'll figure out what works best for your family. 

What if my child has ADHD? 

OG is actually a strong fit. The structured, predictable format helps with focus, the multisensory work keeps kids actively engaged, and some components are gamified. Many of my students have both dyslexia and ADHD -- the two often go hand in hand. 

The Bottom Line 

Orton-Gillingham isn't new, and it isn't a trend. It's one of the most well-researched approaches to reading instruction we have -- and it works. If your child is struggling, don't wait. 

If you're not sure where to start, that's completely normal. I offer free 15-minute consultations for families wondering if OG is right for their child. We'll talk through what you're seeing and figure out the right next step together. 

-> Book Your Free Consultation 

Related Posts: 

^• Signs Your Child May Need Reading Intervention (By Grade Level)